While recreational Cannabis is illegal, and subject to more strict penalties than its European neighbours, CBD oil is both legal and readily available, even being found in large chain stores and pharmacies.
The UK, like many western nations, have a fairly relaxed legal stance towards Cannabis products, even if the legality of recreational Cannabis is not the same. While some recent changes in the laws governing Cannabis have changed, it is fairly straightforward. Lets get some basic questions about CBD and Cannabis products in the UK answered.
IS IT LEGAL TO BUY CBD IN THE UK ONLINE: YES
Yes. CBD oil is legal for purchase online as long as the THC content is below 0.2%. Although it is easily available online, many vendors sell oils with very low CBD and other Cannabis derived chemicals. For this reason it is recommended that individuals purchase CBD oil from reputable sellers.
IS IT LEGAL TO BUY CBD IN THE UK OFFLINE: YES
Once again, CBD oil is readily available for legal purchase as long as the THC content is below the 0.2% threshold.
CBD oil has become so available that even the large health food franchise Holland and Barret begin selling it.
This increase in availability and current legal status has created an increase in CBD usage in the UK to the point where 250,000 individuals report to use it.
IS IT LEGAL TO GROW HEMP FOR CBD IN THE UK? NO
Unlike France or Spain, Hemp cultivation is not common or as unregulated. Those who want to cultivate Hemp need to acquire a license and permission from the Home Office at a cost of just under 600 pounds.
If one does decide to obtain the necessary license and permission growing hemp for the purpose of CBD oil creation is perfectly legal as long as it is for personal use. Anything other than personal use would require further licensing.
IS IT LEGAL IN THE UK TO BUY PRODUCTS CONTAINING ABOVE 0.2% OF THC FOR MEDICAL USE: YES
In November of 2018 the UK made medical Cannabis legal. While this is true, patients report that obtaining a license for medical Cannabis is extremely difficult because of the unclear guidelines and large amount of bureaucracy involved in obtaining the license.
That being said, cannabis products containing more than 0.2% THC is available is one is able to obtain the necessary license. This may seem odd to some, as the UK is the world's largest exporter of Medical Cannabis products.
IS IT LEGAL IN THE UK TO BUY PRODUCTS CONTAINING ABOVE 0.2% OF THC FOR RECREATIONAL USE: NO
In 2003 legal recreational Cannabis and Cannabis products was looking hopeful in the UK as it reclassified from a class B drug to a class C drug. That hope evaporated in 2009 when the decision was made to classify it once again as a class B drug.
Since then no new developments have occured and recreational use remains illegal.
CONCLUSION
While recreational Cannabis is illegal, and subject to more strict penalties than its European neighbours, CBD oil is both legal and readily available, even being found in large chain stores and pharmacies. The cultivation of Hemp is also legal, provided one pays the 600 pound license fee and CBD manufacturing for personal use has increased greatly over the last few years.
